University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville Program

The Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, is a fully ACGME-approved program committed to training internal medicine graduates to become dual-board eligible in hematology and medical oncology. This three-year fellowship begins with two open positions each year, accumulating to a total of six fellows during the duration of the program. The program provides comprehensive training designed to equip fellows with the requisite skills for ABIM board eligibility in both specialties. Each year, the program utilizes the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) for application submissions.

Fellows engage in comprehensive rotations that cover critical areas such as the fundamentals of normal and disease states, the molecular basis of cancer and hematologic disorders, and principles of disease prevention and early detection. They receive training on treatments tailored to the pathophysiology of diseases, emphasizing collaboration with patients to align treatment goals. Furthermore, developing communication skills to convey difficult news empathetically is a core aspect of their education, ensuring fellows are well-prepared for future patient interactions 1.

In addition to clinical rotations, participation in teaching internal medicine residents and medical students is an integral aspect of the fellowship, fostering an educational environment for both fellows and trainees alike. The program encourages fellows to expand their research capabilities through various avenues, including cancer-related clinical trials via the Office of Clinical Trials. Notably, the fellowship allows for exploration within the Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Program, focusing on innovative solutions such as CAR-T therapy and providing state-of-the-art treatments for patients 1.

Program Strengths

The Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program offers several unique advantages. The Cancer Institute represents one of the six Centers of Excellence at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, providing specialized care and support to patients throughout the East Tennessee region. As the area's only academic medical center, it attracts a diverse patient population, facilitating a broad range of clinical experiences and research opportunities 1.

With a close partnership with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, collaborative endeavors extend across various specialties, incorporating insights from the College of Veterinary Medicine and research innovations from Oak Ridge National Laboratories. This collaborative approach enhances the depth of training fellows receive during their tenure 1.

Curriculum and Rotation Structure

The curriculum is structured to ensure fellows have immersive experiences throughout their training. The proposed curriculum includes a detailed sampling of core and elective rotations covering advanced topics in hematology and oncology. Special emphasis is placed on the adaptation of learning opportunities including adjunct courses that align with the fellows' interests across different training phases 1.

The fellowship program has a robust support infrastructure, including access to nursing, pharmacy, library, and other institutional resources which significantly contribute to the educational experience and clinical training fellows receive. Such resources are essential for providing comprehensive care and ensuring optimal patient outcomes 1.

Application Requirements

Application for the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program requires candidates to meet specific eligibility criteria. Applicants must be graduates of an ACGME-accredited internal medicine training program, hold ECFMG certification if they are foreign medical graduates, and have passing scores on all three Steps of the USMLE or COMLEX examinations 2. It is essential to note that the program does not sponsor the H1 visa, which could be a critical consideration for international medical graduates.

Competitiveness and Selection Criteria

The selection process for the fellowship program is highly competitive. The program evaluates candidates based on multiple factors, including academic performance, prior training, motivation, communication skills, integrity, and other personal qualities. The recruitment process is conducted with sensitivity, ensuring that all candidates are viewed based on merit without bias based on demographic characteristics 2.

Interviews are a requisite for consideration, and details about the interview process are communicated to selected candidates. The program utilizes virtual interview methods to facilitate accessibility to a broader array of qualified candidates 2.

Benefits and Support

Fellows are provided with financial support through a competitive stipend commensurate with their PGY level, along with additional benefits which include up to four weeks of annual leave. On-call responsibilities are structured to ensure a healthy work-life balance, with fellows on call every sixth weekend and no overnight on-call shifts 2.